Antibodies to < i > Plasmodium vivax < /i > reticulocyte binding protein 2b are associated with protection against < i > P < /i > . < i > vivax < /i > malaria in populations living in low malaria transmission regions of Brazil and Thailand

by Wen-Qiang He, Stephan Karl, Michael T. White, Wang Nguitragool, Wuelton Monteiro, Andrea Kuehn, Jakub Gruszczyk, Camila T. Fran ça, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Marcus V. G. Lacerda, Wai-Hong Tham, Ivo Mueller BackgroundThePlasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Protein (PvRBP) family is involved in red blood cell recognition and members of this family are potential targets for antibodies that may blockP.vivax invasion. To date, the acquisition of immunity against PvRBPs in low malaria transmission settings and in a broad age group of exposed individuals has not been investigated. Methodology/Principal findingsTotal IgG antibody levels to six members of the PvRBP family (PvRBP1a, PvRBP1b, PvRBP2a, PvRBP2b, a non-binding fragment of PvRBP2c (PvRBP2cNB) and PvRBP2-P2) were measured in samples collected from individuals living in two regions of lowP.vivax endemicity in Brazil and Thailand. In both settings, levels of total IgG to PvRBP1a, PvRBP2b, PvRBP2cNB, and PvRBP2P-2 increased significantly with age (rho = 0.17 –0.49; P
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research